Question for Personal Experience on Purple Tangs

[SaltwaterJunky2]

Does anyone know if a purple tang could be happy/healthy in a 90 gallon reef tank?

[Dmorty217]

Providing the right rock scape and proper diet if purchased small possibly.

[GSMclowns]

Year ago I bought a sick Purple tang for 10 bucks and put it into 75 gallons reef as the only tang. It was pretty happy I think and fat. After 7 years, all the HLLE healed up nicely. It was the only tang with 2 Lyretail anthias, a pair of Potter angels and 2 percula clowns. It didn't get aggressive as it get older like other people would tell you. I think a 90 gallons is acceptable tank for a small - medium Purple tang BUT it has to be the ONLY tang in it. It was Okay but feel a little bit tight for the fish. Now I got a 120 gallons tank with a single Yellow Tang in it, I feel that the fish is more relax. Its amazing what an extra 6" high and 6" wide can do for a fish. If you have a change to get a bigger tank, do it. But if this is the only tank you have, I think its fine for the Purple Tang

By the way, my rock was very minimal. I only had 4 piece of rock columns about 40 pounds in the tank. I left alot of swimming space for the tang

[Mock]

He should be fine. I have a purple, yellow, hippo, and tomini in the same 250. Just dont overstock.. number one mistake with this hobby.

[GoldeneyeRet]

I had a purple tang in a four foot 120 for many years (about 10). He was happy as far as I could tell. He was beautiful and healthy his entire time with me. He never paced the tank. He was always moving, but it was a nice calm even swimming that was very relaxing to watch.

He did become a little bit feisty with new additions but never to the point of injuring them. He always got over it in a short time. I often wondered if he would have been more accepting if he had a larger tank, but then again he was a tang.

He was given away as a happy fish when I broke down my tank. I think the 120 was fine for him to live a good life.

Best of luck!

[Toddrtrex]

IME, not for any length of time.

Had one in a 75 for about a year about a decade ago. Was fine for the first 6-9 months, and then it grew and grew a lot meaner. It was actually draw blood on my male Clarkii.

[CoralsAddiction]

It could work with very few and compatible tank mates. One of the things that could happen is your purple tang will be a very aggressive eater. He might not let other fish get any food at all. Then your other fishes will be intimidated during feedings, starve, get sick and die. Just be careful with your stocking.

[ca1ore]

Four foot tank is a push for a Purple. Can be done, though you may find it'll get very aggressive. Much better in a six footer.